Children of War II

“Children of War II” is a symbolic and emotional reflection on the vulnerability of innocent lives affected by war and displacement. The painting does not depict a specific conflict, but rather addresses the universal experience of fear, loss and psychological trauma carried by children living in the shadow of violence.

Through fragmented forms, expressive textures and symbolic figuration, the work creates a suspended space between reality and memory. The human figure emerges as both fragile and resilient, confronting a world marked by uncertainty and emotional rupture. Layers of matter and contrasting structures evoke traces of destruction while preserving a sense of silent humanity.

Rather than illustrating documentary reality, the painting transforms collective pain into a metaphysical and symbolic visual language. “Children of War II” becomes a reflection on empathy, human dignity and the emotional consequences of contemporary conflicts.

The work received an আন্তর্জাতিক Honorary Mention awarded by Mondial Art Academia in the category of Surrealism and Symbolism within the PRIX INTERNATIONAL DES PROFESSIONNELS DE L’ART 2025, organized in collaboration with The Gabriela Mistral Foundation in New York. The distinction emphasized the humanitarian and ethical dimension of the painting and its symbolic reflection on human suffering and collective responsibility. ()

In 2026, the painting was presented during the international solidarity exhibition “Wolność - Свобода” in Odessa, organized in cooperation with the Association of Polish Visual Artists and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Odessa. The exhibition focused on freedom, human dignity and intercultural dialogue in the context of contemporary geopolitical tensions. ()

Created using mixed media techniques, the work combines material painting with elements of symbolic surrealism characteristic of Dariusz Witold Mierzwa’s artistic practice.